Pennsylvania driving lesson · Occupant Safety and Other Laws
Texting, inspections and other everyday laws
A 3-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Several Pennsylvania laws apply every time you drive: the texting ban, yearly safety inspections, the anti-littering law, and the law against driving around road-closure signs. Each has a specific fine or deadline.
Know the rule
The anti-texting law took effect March 8, 2012. Texting while driving is a primary, summary offense with a $50 fine.
A wireless phone, PDA, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device usable for texting, instant messaging, emailing or browsing the Internet.
The texting law overrides local ordinances and doesn't allow police to seize your device. It doesn't cover GPS devices, systems built into the vehicle, or devices fixed to mass transit vehicles, buses or school buses.
In many counties, cars, vans and light-duty trucks from model year 1975 or newer also need an emissions inspection before the safety inspection can be completed.
Littering from a vehicle (waste paper, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, rubbish or anything dangerous) onto a highway, property or waters can bring a fine of up to $300, including for litter your passengers throw.
Since September 6, 2012, driving around or through signs or devices closing a road for hazardous conditions brings 2 points and up to $250; if responders are called out, up to $500 plus the response costs.
At a red light you pick up your phone to answer a text. That's a primary, summary offense in PA that carries a $50 fine. Using your built-in GPS isn't covered by the ban.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When was Pennsylvania's anti-texting law enacted, and what is the fine for a conviction?
Effective 2020, with a $200 fine
Effective 2005, with a $500 fine
Effective 2012, with a $50 fine
Effective 2015, with no fine, points only
Answer: Effective 2012, with a $50 fine
The anti-texting law took effect March 8, 2012, with a $50 fine per conviction.